Tonight in New York City, a star studded cast will perform in a one night only presentation of “8“, Dustin Lance Black’s play about the Prop 8 trial in California. This is especially ironic, since today a federal judge ordered the release of video from the Prop 8 trial itself. This has been a month’s long struggle between pro and anti gay groups.
Groups trying to keep the video “in the dark”, claim that releasing the video will put those who testified in favor of Prop 8 in danger of retaliation. I know, it’s unbelievably ironic in its own right.
Chief U.S. District Judge James Ware agreed with lawyers for two same-sex couples who sued to overturn Proposition 8 and with a collection of news outlets – including The Associated Press – that no compelling reasons exist to keep the recordings secret.
His order will take effect on Sept. 30 unless a higher court overrules him.
“Foremost among the aspects of the federal judicial system that foster public confidence in the fairness and integrity of the process are public access to trials and public access to the record of judicial proceedings,” Ware wrote in his 14-page order.
